Mon 23 Jun 2014, 11:33 GMT

OW Bunker names new Global Sales Director


Steve Leonard is to work closely with the company's central and regional divisions to ensure all strategy is aligned and fully integrated on a global basis.



OW Bunker, one of the world’s leading physical distributors and resellers of marine fuels, today announced that Steve Leonard has been appointed to the role of Global Sales Director.

With over 25 years of experience in the marine fuels industry, Leonard will take responsibility for driving the strategic direction of global sales to support the company’s wider growth plans.

"Steve is a strong leader with an impressive track-record in developing successful, scalable businesses within the marine fuels industry and other complementary fuel sectors," said Götz Lehsten, Executive Vice President, OW Bunker.

"As we focus on optimising our sales footprint to maximise global supply chain capabilities for our customers and seize opportunities to expand our presence in key markets, I am confident that Steve’s deep knowledge of the industry, and proven abilities will help us to take our strategy forward."

Prior to joining OW Bunker, Mr Leonard worked in a number of relevant senior business development and management roles. Following 12 years with Motor Oil (Hellas) where he set up physical fuel supply operations in Miami and the Gulf of Mexico, Mr Leonard spent over 12 years at marine and aviation fuel company, World Fuel Services. During this time he led the company’s marine division, focusing on growth in Europe and Africa, as well as holding other responsibilities throughout his tenure. Mr Leonard has also held positions as business development and sales director at Cockett Marine Oil and Aegean Petroleum.

Lehsten added: "Delivering our global sales strategy that is focused on meeting the real and changing needs of our customers is fundamental to increasing our market share and volume growth. Steve’s appointment has further strengthened our capabilities and we look forward to working with him during this next stage of our development."

Based in Europe, Leonard will work closely with the company’s central and regional divisions to ensure all strategy is aligned and fully integrated on a global basis, OW Bunker said.


Areion vessel. Dorian LPG takes delivery of dual-fuel VLGC capable of carrying ammonia  

The 93,000-cbm Areion can run on LPG or fuel oil and transport ammonia cargoes.

FSRU Toscana alongside Green Zeebrugge vessel. RINA awards ISCC EU certification to OLT Offshore LNG Toscana for bio-LNG supply  

Certification enables bio-LNG use in the EU as a renewable fuel under RED II and RED III directives.

World Shipping Council at IMO meeting. WSC calls for safe maritime corridor as 20,000 seafarers remain trapped in the Persian Gulf  

Industry body urges IMO member states to establish safe passage and supply access.

Graphic promoting Auramarine webinar titled 'Sustainable Fueling Part 3: Ammonia - next alternative fuel in marine'. Auramarine to host webinar on ammonia as marine fuel in April  

Finnish firm will explore ammonia’s role in maritime decarbonisation at its third spring webinar.

Front cover of study by WinGD and Envision Energy titled 'Renewable Fuel Economics: An OPEX illustration based on current costs'. Green ammonia could reach cost parity with VLSFO and LNG by 2050, study finds  

WinGD and Envision Energy study projects green ammonia operational costs competitive with conventional marine fuels.

Elenger Marine's LNG bunkering vessel Optimus alongside Brittany Ferries’ Saint-Malo. Bureau Veritas verifies methane emissions on Brittany Ferries’ LNG vessels  

Verification enables ferry operator to report measured methane slip instead of regulatory default values.

Map showing existing and planned Emission Control Areas (ECAs). Alliance calls for urgent black carbon action as new Arctic emission control areas take effect  

Canadian Arctic and Norwegian Sea ECAs now in force, with compliance deadline set for March 2027.

Artistic impression of battery-electric ferry for operation on Perth’s Swan River. Lloyd’s Register to class Western Australia’s first electric ferry fleet  

Echo Marine Group partners with Lloyd’s Register on five battery-electric ferries for Perth’s Swan River.

Thomas Kazakos, secretary general of The International Chamber of Shipping (ICS). ICS condemns Middle East shipping attacks as 20,000 seafarers remain trapped  

Industry body calls for urgent state action to resupply vessels and enable crew changes.

Molslinjen ferry illustration. Molslinjen order propels Australia to top of battery vessel production rankings  

Danish ferry operator’s three-catamaran order at Incat Tasmania shifts global manufacturing landscape, analysis shows.